Mineral spirits

Definition

This poisoning is from an ingestion of mineral spirits.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Hydrocarbons
  

Where Found

• Mineral spirits (Stoddard solvent)
  
• Some paints
  
• Some floor and furniture waxes and polishes
  
• Some dry cleaning fluids
  

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

• Respiratory
  o Breathing difficulty (from inhalation)
  o Throat swelling (which may also cause breathing difficulty)
  
• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
  o Severe pain in the throat
  o Severe pain or burning in the nose, eyes, ears, lips, or tongue
  o Loss of vision
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Severe Abdominal pain
  o Vomiting
  o Burns of the esophagus (food pipe)
  o Vomiting blood
  o Blood in the stool
  
• Heart and blood vessels
  o Hypotension (Low Blood pressure) develops rapidly
  o Collapse
  
• Skin
  o Irritation
  o Burn
  o Necrosis (holes) in the skin or underlying tissues
  

Home Treatment
For any ingestion, seek emergency medical care immediately. DO NOT INDUCE Vomiting. If the person is conscious, give milk or water to dilute the hydrocarbon.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• The patient's age, weight, and condition
  
• The name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
  
• The time it was swallowed
  
• The amount swallowed
  

Poison Control, or a local emergency number
See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed: